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Crosswalk the Devotional - Jan. 24, 2008

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV

If you’re having a hard time “getting over yourself” lately, then you might be due for a self-righteousness check.

Usually, a trusted confidante or loved one is involved in these routine examinations. Just like the one I had not long ago with a really good “friend” of mine. A friend who’s closer than a brother. Actually, make that closer than a sister, and she looks an awful lot like me, too.

Perhaps you’ve had a similar conversation with someone recently. Someone, perhaps, much like yourself …

You: Self, it’s time for a self-righteousness check. You’ve been measuring yourself with others. And um, basically… you need to get over yourself.

Self: But I’m not doing anything wrong. I didn’t say an unkind word or anything. In fact, I even reached out to this person. And went out of my way to help that one over there. But this guy here… see, he’s the one who’s not treating me right. He’s done this and this, and he hasn’t even reached out to help me in my time of need.

You: Self, why are you looking at others for how you’re measuring up and what they are or aren’t doing, when you should just be looking up?

Self: [mimicking] “Self, why are you looking at others for how you’re measuring up and what they are or aren’t doing, when you should just be looking up?”

You: Oh, THAT’S really helpful and grown up. I see your childish ways are still very much alive and active. That perfect Sunday School attendance and your prominent position in the church choir are realllly helping you out.

Self: But I didn’t do anything. That guy over there was the one who …

You: And that’s the point. You’re so focused on what someone else is or isn’t doing to or for you, that you’ve completely lost sight of what you are or aren’t doing in the sight of the Lord. What about what He thinks?

Self: Right, right. I know… God is my co-pilot and all. But what about the guy who’s not treating ME right? Is he just gonna get away with that and no one’s gonna call him on it?

You: Self, as you grow and mature in Christ, you will realize that it’s not about keeping score. It’s not about who’s done you wrong and who’s done you right. Leave that to the Lord, and learn from Jesus’ example when he became flesh and dwelt among us. Your concern is that you are becoming more and more like Christ. We need to work on there being LESS of you and more of him, as his glory is revealed in your life.

Self: Oh. But…

You: No buts. Just bend your knee. Ask for forgiveness. And get over yourself.

The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we're in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ. God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin. Having faith in him sets us in the clear. God decided on this course of action in full view of the public—to set the world in the clear with himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins he had so patiently endured. This is not only clear, but it's now—this is current history! God sets things right. He also makes it possible for us to live in his rightness.

Romans 3:22-26, The Message

Intersecting Faith & Life: Has someone “done you wrong” recently? Did you do something good and no one acknowledged it? Leave your “case” and your grievances with the Lord today, and let him be the Judge. Let him rule in your life, so that his righteousness may prevail.